Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: johndolecki on September 16, 2014, 02:57:34 PM

Title: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: johndolecki on September 16, 2014, 02:57:34 PM

As I start shopping new controller components what is everyone's any advice on which way to go?
I already have a parallel card on my mini mill and have no issues. But parallel ports are getting scarce.

Are there any advantages or disadvantages to each.

Also all the stock control components are for sale

Thanks john

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: Whelen on September 16, 2014, 08:55:28 PM

WOW John. I have yet to receive my mill and never thought about the connection being a problem.  How do I go about using a USB port?  My computer has 2 USB, 1 HDMI, 2 VGA, 2 USB3 and 1 Eithernet ports open. What do I need to buy to fix this problem.  Thanks,  Bill

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: rcaffin on September 17, 2014, 06:24:59 AM

Ethernet, every time.
Warp 9 ESS.

Cheers
Roger

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: dude1 on September 17, 2014, 06:37:35 AM

A second for ESS

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: comet on September 17, 2014, 08:19:07 AM

the usb uc300 excellent and a good price, plus brilliant aftersales service.

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: rcaffin on September 17, 2014, 04:59:53 PM

Quote

Ethernet, every time.
Warp 9 ESS.

Just bear in mind that many people have found that the USB connection is unreliable. The USB signal levels are quite low and there is no electrical isolation between the PC and the interface card outputs. The ethernet connection is transformer isolated at the input to the card and has a significantly higher signal level. Many of us have switched from the USB to ethernet for this reason, aand find it much more reliable.
Statistics: in my case the USB connection crashed about once a day. The ethernet connection has not crashed.

YMMV
Cheers
Roger

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: nzlowie on September 21, 2014, 06:55:04 AM

Hi all

I'm also about to start looking for more controller options. I have the Gecko G540 at the moment but I need to install larger steppers on my new router so I'll have to replace the G540.

I'd ove to hear your thoughts on options.... I will keep following this thread during my looking....


Thanks Dave

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: ger21 on September 21, 2014, 08:39:11 AM

Quote

Just bear in mind that many people have found that the USB connection is unreliable.

To clarify, people have found the usb connection unreliable for the Smoothstepper.

I've never heard of people having issues with other USB motion controllers, like the KFLOP, or UC100 .

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: ger21 on September 21, 2014, 08:42:02 AM

Quote from: nzlowie on September 21, 2014, 06:55:04 AM

Hi all

I'm also about to start looking for more controller options. I have the Gecko G540 at the moment but I need to install larger steppers on my new router so I'll have to replace the G540.

I'd ove to hear your thoughts on options.... I will keep following this thread during my looking....


Thanks Dave

The G540 is a stepper drive, and not a motion controller like the ones this thread is discussing.

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: Bob Braeking on September 21, 2014, 09:17:04 AM

I have installed an ESS and it solved a lot of  problems.  It gives me more i/o.  Paired with C32 Breakout board (the two boards plug in to each other) with RJ45 connectors reliability has improved tremendously.  Get one and don't look back.

Bob
sanddollarwoodworks.com

Title: Re: Parallel port, USB or Ethernet controller card .
Post by: igarcia on October 16, 2014, 11:02:12 AM

I have an imac but running with windows 7. I am planning to buy an UC100 to run my CNC thru an USB port.

Has any one have an opinion  if this is a good idea? Is the UC100 prove to be reliable?